Appeal a Somerset Parking Ticket

Last updated: March 2026

Somerset Council (the new unitary authority formed in 2023) enforces parking across this rural south-west county, covering Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Glastonbury, and the Quantock and Mendip hills. Tourist areas and the Glastonbury Festival surroundings generate seasonal enforcement activity.

Enforcement Approach

Somerset Council operates civil parking enforcement with on-street officers in the main towns. Taunton as the county town has the most extensive CPZs and meter bays. Glastonbury, Wells, and Frome see tourist-related enforcement. The council was formed in 2023 from the merger of the county and district councils. Penalties are £50–£70, halved within 14 days.

Common Parking Hotspots

• Taunton town centre: County town with meter bays and CPZs
• Glastonbury: Tourist parking and festival-period restrictions
• Wells: Cathedral city with limited parking
• Frome: Popular market town with growing restrictions

How to Appeal

Follow the standard council PCN appeal process:

1. Informal challenge: Write to Somerset Council within 14 days. Discount frozen during review.
2. Formal representation: If rejected, respond to the Notice to Owner within 28 days.
3. Traffic Penalty Tribunal: If rejected, appeal to the independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal, which is free.

Key Defences

• Post-merger signage: The 2023 council merger may have created signage inconsistencies
• Festival-period restrictions: Temporary signs must be properly displayed
• Tourist area signage: Verify signs in historic towns are compliant
• Time limit compliance: Verify service deadlines

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Council Parking Ticket (PCN)
• Parking Ticket Time Limits
• Traffic Penalty Tribunal Guide
• Appeal a Bath Parking Ticket